SERVING URBAN POOR. Some 700 urban poor residents from Makilala, North Cotabato attend the formal opening of the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP) mini-caravan services program on Wednesday afternoon (Sept. 8, 2021). Caravan coordinators strictly implemented the observance of social distancing and health protocols during the program at the Barangay Poblacion gymnasium. (Photo courtesy of Makilala LGU)
MAKILALA, North Cotabato – Some 700 poor residents here benefitted from the mini-caravan services offered by the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP) on Wednesday afternoon.
In a statement Thursday, lawyer Ferdinand C. Iman, PCUP chief operation officer for Mindanao, said the program was in collaboration with some national government-line agencies and the North Cotabato provincial government that targeted to reach out to the disadvantaged sector in the area.
“We brought government services within their reach,” Iman said.
The program offered free basic services that included eye check-up and eyeglasses from the Deseret Ambulatory Referral Center; vitamins and medicine from the Department of Health; legal consultation from PCUP lawyers; free haircuts, and food items contributed by the Army’s 39th Infantry Battalion and the local police.
“Fruit-bearing seedlings, corn seeds, fertilizers, and Mallard ducks from the Department of Agriculture-Region 12 and the Municipal Agriculturist Office were also distributed,” Iman said.
The Philippine Statistics Authority–12 (Soccksargen) and the municipal registrar’s office also offered to process birth certificates, marriage contracts, and certificates of no marriage record; while the National Housing Authority–12, and the Department of Labor and Employment–12 gave updates of its ongoing program in the locality.
The Municipal Social Welfare and Development (MSWD) also issued accreditation certificates to urban poor associations, persons with disabilities, and the Muslim women's association in Makilala.
Meanwhile, the provincial government distributed housing materials to the urban poor beneficiaries.
During his speech in the program, North Cotabato Board Member Dr. Philbert Malaluan pointed out the provincial government’s continuing efforts to serve vulnerable sectors of the province.
“We have not forgotten you. We are all North Cotabateños,” he said.
Mayor Armando Quibod thanked the PCUP and its partner agencies for choosing their town as a recipient of the activity held at the Barangay Poblacion gymnasium. (PNA)
